Physician joins Franciscan in Crown Point
Dr. Ashraf Hasan, an interventional spine and pain management physician, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Crown Point, a release said.
Hasan earned his medical degree from Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital in Chicago.
He is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Specialty Center Crown Point, 12750 St. Francis Drive, Suite 410. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 219-769-8340.
Free Hammond car seat safety event Sept. 19
Franciscan Health is hosting a free car seat safety event Sept. 19 for Indiana residents, a release said.
The event, co-hosted by the Trauma Services Department and the Prenatal Assistance Program, is scheduled to take place from 3-6 p.m. in the St. Joseph Church rear parking lot at 5314 Hohman Ave. in Hammond.
The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment for the technician to provide appropriate guidance. Upon completion of the appointment, participants should be able to install a car seat safely.
The event is free, but reservations are required. Call 219-852-7875.
Training specialist promoted
First Things First Porter County has promoted Laura Green to Training and Technical Assistance Specialist, a release said.
Green began her tenure at FTF in 2022 as Outreach Coordinator, the first employee to join the team alongside Founding Executive Director Mary Jane Eisenhauer. With prior professional background as a developmental therapist, Green holds a degree in Early Intervention from Purdue University.
As Training and Technical Assistance Specialist, Laura will act as the FTF subject matter expert for early childhood development, best-poised to support community partners in their efforts to strengthen the lives of young children, the release said.
Valparaiso Police announce new sergeant
Sean Liesenfelt has been promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Valparaiso Police Department, a release said.
Liesenfelt has a combined 10 years of policing experience, including three years of service with the Valparaiso Police Department and seven years previously with the Indiana University Northwest Police Department. During his tenure with VPD, Liesenfelt has served with distinction in the Patrol Division, where he has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to public safety, the release said.
Liesenfelt earned a Master of Public Affairs degree in 2018 and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2015, both from Indiana University Northwest, the release said. He is a 2011 graduate of Munster High School.
Duneland Y opens senior center
The Duneland Family YMCA recently unveiled the John and Laurie (Wehner) Evans Healthy Aging Center, according to a release.
The center, formerly known as the Senior Center, offers opportunities for physical wellness, learning, social connection and emotional well-being with programs designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit, it empowers individuals to maintain independence, build community and embrace aging with vitality and purpose, the release said.
The Evans family holds a rich history in Porter County, operating an established funeral home business and serving the community through various leadership and service roles.
The center is located on the first floor of the new Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus, 651 West Morgan Ave., Chesterton.
State Police Trooper promoted
Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott recently announced the promotion of Master Trooper Timothy A. Grayson to the rank of sergeant, a release said.
Grayson, who will serve as an Employment Services Recruiting Coordinator, is originally from Gary. He is a 1990 graduate of Emerson High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Indiana State University. In 2004, he was assigned to the Indiana State Police Post in Lowell, where he served for six years, the release said.
From 2017 until 2025 he served as a school bus inspector in Area I, being responsible for the oversight and compliance for 69 school organizations in the northwest region of Indiana. Grayson is a resident of Porter County.
Women’s Fund makes $57K Porter County awards
The Women’s Fund of Porter County, held at the Porter County Community Foundation, is awarding $57,500 in grants to local organizations that meet the needs of women and children, according to a release.
The Caring Place and Porter County Aging and Community Services will receive $25,000 each to support high-impact programs. Dressed For School, Our Greater Good and Parents As Teachers of Porter County will each receive $2,500 for general support, the release said.
Annually, the Women’s Fund supports local organizations through a competitive grant process. Since inception, the Fund has awarded 66 grants totaling over $950,000, the release said. To learn more or make a gift to the Women’s Fund, visit pccf.gives/womensfund.
PNW opens nominations for alumni awards
Purdue University Northwest is inviting nominations through Nov. 7 for impactful university alumni to be recognized and inducted into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame, a release said.
The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame honors distinguished graduates from across the history of the university’s campuses in Hammond and Westville. PNW seeks nominations of alumni who are high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their community and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students.
Nominees selected for inclusion will be inducted during PNW’s 10th Anniversary Gala on May 29 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
To view specific criteria for each category and access the nomination form, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.